Fang Reliquary Container (Byeri) stonetools Vikings and medieval societies adorned

Vikings and medieval societies adorned themselves with jewelry

Peter and Kathleen Van Arsdale

Lampung dyes were entirely natural: red from sepang (Caesalpinia sappan)

Each was regulated and officially verified by royal or local seals

likely walnut or olive

Fang Reliquary Container (Byeri) stonetools Vikings and medieval societies adornedFang people, mid 20th century, Cameroon or Northern Gabon, Central Africa Fascinating bark reliquary container paired with a possibly later added and modeled wooden figure, eyema o byeri (also biyema biyeri or nlo byeri), representing an honored Fang ancestor. The container itself is of older origin, while the small guardian figure appears to have been attached at a subsequent dateyet still following the traditional byeri aesthetic and ritual purpose.